The Little Match Girl
It’s that time of year when the signs of Christmas are all around. Whether you are religious or not, bringing the true meaning of Christmas into our lives can be important for all of us.
What is the true meaning of Christmas?
The Christmas season may seem like a time to shop, feast, shop, vacation, and shop some more. At least, that is what it appears to be on the surface. However, if we take the time to look deeper to learn about and understand who this Jesus Christ was and what he taught, and why so many around the globe celebrate his birth, the true meaning of Christmas shines through. Whether you believe he was a real or mythical person, Jesus Christ taught and preached only peace, love, charity, and kindness. The Christmas season is a time to reflect upon what it is to be kind, loving, and considerate to others, and how each of us can imbue acts of Christian love into our lives.
Charity comes from the Latin word caritas: love, affection, dear-ness. It is a synonym for kindness, consideration, and Christian love, also known as agape. Agape is the Ancient Greek word for charity and love. Today agape stands for unselfish, spiritual, brotherly, and Godly love.
How can we bring the meaning of Christmas into our lives?
It all begins with self-reflection and awareness. We have to watch and observe ourselves. Are we kind and non-judgemental to others? Are we giving and charitable out of the kindness of our hearts without asking for something in return? Do we love others by being responsible for our actions and by being respectful to others’ needs? Do we act with care, with consideration, and with non-violent intentions so that we can live in a world of peace and joy?
Asking ourselves these questions every day will help lead us in the direction of bringing in and living a life of love, peace, charity, and kindness. By practicing these acts not only during the holidays, but throughout the year, we may altogether bring Joy To The World!
Even just a kind smile and a friendly “hello” can be a precious gift. May we all embrace the meaning of Christmas to spread love throughout the year to everyone! And, as Tiny Tim said in A Christmas Carol: God bless us everyone!
As the angel declared upon Christ’s birth:
Δοξα εν υψιστοις θεω
και επι γης ειρηνη
εν ανθρωποις ευδοκιας
Or, as Linus said in A Charlie Brown Christmas:
Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill towards men!
Through the Peacock's Eyes 
Hey Julianne, great post. I hear so many people moan about how they hate Christmas and what it’s become. And in some respects I agree…but then it’s only what we make of it, each and every one of us – as with everything. I don’t buy into the materialistic aspects. I love the feel of celebration, warmth, light, fun and festivity. I’m fascinated by how so many of the traditions stretch way back and all have significance and meaning. At the darkest time of the year, finding the light within ourselves — the light and love — and allowing that to shine. It’s a pretty magical time really, if we just stop to appreciate the magic. Have a wonderful festive time 🙂
Have a wonderful Holiday Season too! 😀
🙂 Thanks!
Wonderful post julianne… and may you have a magical and heartfelt christmas and new year with your family.. Barbara
Thank you Barbara! You too! Namaste _/l\_
Very educative and enriching. Thanks.
Thank you!
Loved the post!
I also feel that it’s important to give that same sort of love to ourselves because a lot of times we don’t…
Very true Shree! Thank you!
Yes, the questions you pose we should carry with us daily, not so much to answer them, but to deepen within us what they really mean.
Peace!
Debra
Thank you Debra! Blessings!
Thank you, Julianne to recall the true spiritual meaning of the birth of Jesus.
“Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill towards men”
As you say, “It all begins with self-reflection and awareness.” It’s ironic that in our culture, this is the time of year when it takes the strongest acts of will to set aside time for that. I find that the more I opt out of the “Holiday” social and media trappings, the more time I have for reflection.
Big Smiles, as it seems our posts offer similar themes today 🙂 Beautiful thoughts Julianne, Let us hope that Christmas can be brought into our everyday lives to be lived every day….
Love and Blessings
Sue xox
Thanks Sue! Funny, this is actually a reposting from two posts from the past two Christmas’. Just couldn’t think to say it any better! 🙂 I’ll be by your blog soon! Have a lovely day! 😀